Volunteer FAQs

Can I bring my friend?

Yes! Just be sure that they have completed the Volunteer Registration Form, and have signed up for the harvest along with you. We need to keep track of how many people are coming to each harvest so we don't have too many or too few volunteers.

Can I bring my children?

Since picking fruit from tall trees with picking poles is a potentially hazardous activity we ask that you stick to a ratio of one child per adult and that you supervise her/him at all times.

I completed the Volunteer Registration Form. Am I signed up to go to pick fruit?

Not yet. You have completed the first step of giving us your contact information and indicating that you agree with the Participation Guidelines. Now you need to visit our Gleans page. Here you will find all of the open harvests that are currently scheduled. Sign up for the harvests that you would like to attend. If there are no harvests listed, then we do not have any scheduled. Check back frequently for new postings.

I signed up for a harvest. When will I get the address?

• After you sign up to pick fruit on the Gleans page, your name is added to the harvest roster. The page that appears right after you sign up shows the address for the harvest. Write it down before you go to any other page.
• You will also be sent an email with a link to the harvest details.
• Make sure that we have your contact information so we can put you on the harvest roster. If you have not previously registered as a volunteer, fill out the Volunteer Registration Form. You will only need to complete this form once.

I signed up for a harvest, and now I can't go. What should I do?

The email that you receive after signing up for the harvest has a link in it to use if you need to cancel. The same applies to the waiting list. We really appreciate you cancelling if you can’t make it because it gives someone else a chance to attend the harvest.

Why are the harvests filling up so quickly?

Many registered volunteers are checking the harvest page. Those who do this often usually get on the roster first. This, and our Instagram page, are the only places that we announce harvests that are available for signing up.

Why are there not more harvests?

Kōkua Tree relies on donations from tree owners. After we’re told that fruit needs picking, our coordinator factors Kōkua Tree's ability to staff harvests, parking and the requests of the land owner to determine how and when harvests will take place.

What do I need to bring to a harvest?

Just a water bottle, sunscreen, and yourself! Please wear closed-toed shoes, and clothes suitable for rain and physical activity outside. We provide all picking equipment.

Do I get to take some of the fruit home?

We allow people to take home a handful of fruit but the vast majority of what we pick is intended to be donated.

I've never picked fruit from a tree before. Is there anything I need to do beforehand?

No, as long as you've signed up and received the address, you are all set. The harvest leader will provide all necessary training at the site.

Can I bring my dog to the picking?

We wish we could say yes because we love dogs! But unfortunately, during fruit picking we ask that dogs, except for service animals, stay home. It’s hard to pick fruit and keep an eye on your dog at the same time, plus we don’t have any dog sized gardening gloves.

What if I have a question that wasn’t on this list?

Please check out the Contact Us page. We are always happy to help.